Mangaluru (Mangalore) also known as ‘Kudla’ in the local language Tulu, ‘Kodiyal’ in Konkani, ‘Maikala’ in Byari, and ‘Mangalapuram’ in Malayalam is a vibrant city of Karnataka state. With its strong culture and great heritage it has all the things a traveller wishes for. From warm hearted people, stunning beaches, holy ancient temples to mouth-watering seafood cuisines, unique Mangalorean dishes, never before seen ice creams and much more that will add this coastal city to your bucket list for sure. Here are some of the important places you can explore during your Mangalore Local Tour. 

Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mangala Devi, this temple was believed to be built in the 9th Century by Kundaverman, a King of Alupa Dynasty. Built in Kerala style architecture, Sri Mangala Devi Temple is one of the oldest temples in Mangalore. The city’s name Mangaluru, previously known as “Mangalapuram”, is also derived from this Goddess. The Temple is open daily from 6 am to 1 pm and 4pm to 8:30pm.

  • Sultan Bateri

Sultan Bateri, a watch tower is said to have been built by Tippu Sultan to contain the entrance of warships into the Gurupura River. Though it is a simple watch-tower, it looks like a miniature fortress with its many holes for mounting cannons all round.

  • Tannirbavi Beach

Tannirbavi Beach is one of the best place to visit for nature and peace lovers. You can access this beach either by taking a ferry from Sultan Bateri or by road. By ferry it will take around 4-5 minutes. By road it will take around 30-40 minutes. This beautiful beach also has a park and a playground.

  • Aloysius Chapel and Museum

The chapel dedicated to St. Aloysius Gonzaga SJ (1568-91) is a noteworthy structure in the campus. It was built in 1885 under the supervision of Fr. Joseph Willy. Jesuit Brother Antony Moscheni SJ who came from Italy in 1889 painted the spectacular art work depicted the history from the Creation of The Universe to the Resurrection of Christ. The paintings are Frescoes and canvases shows the Birth of Jesus, Jesus with children, wedding feast at Cana and The Last Supper. Timings are from 10 am to 1 pm, after lunch 3 pm to 4:30 pm. (Monday to Saturday)

St Aloysius Chapel

St. Aloysius Museum which is located on the same campus, is a small museum which has a collection of items from history, art, culture and more. You can also find a collection of animal skeleton including the skeleton of a whale.  

  • Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple

This temple dedicated to Lord Manjunatha (Lord Shiva), is believed to be built during the 10th or 11th Century, believed to be the oldest Shiva Temple in Mangalore is related to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The idol of Lord Manjunatha is made of the Panchaloha (5 elements) is depicted in a Buddhist form with 3 faces, 6 arms and a crown depicting Dhyani Buddha. There are also caves near the Temple called Pandava Caves. It is believed that the Pandavas resided in these caves during their period of exile. Darshan timings are from 6:30 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8:30pm.

  • Rosario Church

Our Lady of Rosary Church also known as “Cathedral Church”, was built by the Portuguese in the year 1568. This is the “Mother Church” of Mangalore Diocese and the oldest church in the Karnataka state. Its high dome resembles the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican, Rome. The 12 windows represent the 12 apostles, the Church has a cross like two aisles, church looks like a cross. This place is closer to the sea shore and it’s very calm.

  • Pilikula

Pilikula derives its name from ‘Pilikula Lake’. According to the local legend, the lake was once a haunt of tigers. Hence the name Pilikula which translates to ‘Tiger Pond’. Pilikula is an integrated theme park with wide range of features. Pilikula has many attractions of cultural, educational and scientific interest. The park is spread across an area of 370 acres comprising of a tropical forest and the enchanting Pilikula Lake. This includes a Biological Park, Arboretum, a Science Center, a lake with boating center, a water park, heritage village and a golf course.

  • Panambur Beach

One of the most popular beaches of Mangalore, Panambur beach is known to be the safest and well-maintained beaches. You can enjoy water sports like Boating, Parasailing, jet Ski rides and surfing. It also has horse and camel ride and AVT rides. Panambur Beach is open to visitors from 8am till 7pm.

Panambur Beach

  • Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple

The Gokarnathatheshwara Temple, also known as Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra was declared sacred by Narayana Guru. It is dedicated to Gokarnanatha, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the year 1912 by Adhyaksha HoigeBazar Coragappa. The temple was meant for the worship by Billava community, who were prohibited from entering other temples.

  • Bejai Museum

Located in the heart of Mangalore City, Bejai Museum (Srimathi Bhai Memorial Government Museum), was founded in the 1960 by then Chief Minister Sri. B.D. Jatti. The collector of the Museum Col. V.R Mirajkar was the actual owner of the house, which he later donated to Karnataka Government. It has a number of collections which include paintings, apographs, including some of the rare photos of Gandhiji, vintage stone tools replicas of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro and many more. Timings are from 10am to 5:30pm, entry free.

Mangalore is also famous for its cuisine. You can try delicious local foods such as Mangalore buns, goli baje, kadle manoli, kori rotti (chicken rotti), chicken sukka, chicken Ghee roast and varieties of sea food cuisines. Pabba’s ice-cream parlor’s Gudbud Ice cream is a must try. You can also enjoy special ice-creams like I-pizza and Pan Ice-cream.Some of the best restaurants to try are Girimanja’s, Narayana Hotel, Machali, Shetty’s Lunch Home, Pallakhi Restaurant, Thyme Family Restaurant. Pabba’s, Ideal, Naturals are the famous ice-cream parlors of Mangalore.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

Q: Why should I visit Mangalore?
  • A: Mangalore is known for its picturesque beaches, rich cultural heritage, historic temples, and delectable cuisine, which offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it a compelling destination for travelers.
Q: What are the popular attractions in Mangalore?
  • A: Some must-visit attractions in Mangalore include the serene Panambur Beach, the historic Kadri Manjunath Temple, the picturesque St. Aloysius Chapel, and the Mangaladevi Temple. The city also offers vibrant markets and delicious street food.
Q.: How is the weather in Mangalore?
  • A: Mangalore has a tropical climate, with relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, so it’s advisable to avoid these months.
Q: How can I reach Mangalore?
  • A: Mangalore is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The city has an international airport, Mangalore International Airport (IXE), with regular flights from major cities. It also has a well-connected railway station and is accessible by road via national highways.
Q: What is the local cuisine like in Mangalore?
  • A: Mangalore is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Don’t miss trying the local seafood, especially Mangalorean fish curry and Neer Dosa, and other popular dishes like Goli Baje, Chicken Sukka, and Kori Rotti.
Q: Are there any adventure activities in Mangalore?
  • A: Yes, Mangalore offers various adventure activities, including water sports at Panambur Beach, trekking in the Western Ghats, and river rafting in the nearby rivers. Adventure enthusiasts can find several opportunities for outdoor activities.
Q: What are the cultural festivals celebrated in Mangalore?
  • A: Mangalore celebrates a range of cultural festivals, including the Mangalore Dasara, Karavali Utsav, and Kadri Kambla. These festivals showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region through traditional music, dance, and processions.
Q: Is Mangalore a family-friendly destination?
  • A: Yes, Mangalore is a family-friendly destination with its clean beaches, family-oriented attractions, and a variety of culinary options. It offers a mix of cultural experiences and recreational activities suitable for all age groups.
Q: Are there any wildlife sanctuaries near Mangalore? –
  • A: Yes, the Pilikula Nisargadhama is a popular wildlife sanctuary near Mangalore. It houses a zoo, botanical garden, and a lake, providing a serene escape into nature.
Q: Can I explore nearby destinations from Mangalore?
  • A: Yes, Mangalore serves as a gateway to several nearby destinations, including the hill stations of Coorg and Chikmagalur, the temple town of Udupi, and the wildlife sanctuaries of Western Ghats. Day trips or short stays to these places are popular among tourists.